Navajo County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Navajo County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Navajo County can be a disorienting experience. The vast geography, coupled with the interplay between state and tribal jurisdictions, adds complexity to the process. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the initial steps, understand critical deadlines, and locate essential resources. The Interstate 40 (I-40) corridor bisects the county, serving as a primary artery for commercial transport and, consequently, a focal point for interdiction efforts by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Arrests occurring along this corridor funnel defendants into the county seat of Holbrook.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Navajo County, the following typically occurs:

• Arrest and Initial Processing: You will be taken into custody by the arresting officer (likely from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Show Low Police Department, or Winslow Police Department).
• Transportation to Jail: You will be transported to the Navajo County Adult Detention Center in Holbrook.
• Booking: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make a phone call to a family member or a DUI attorney shortly after booking.
• Bail: Bail will be set according to the Navajo County bail schedule, or you may be released on your own recognizance (ROR) depending on the circumstances.
• Release: Release may occur after posting bail, ROR, or after an initial appearance before a judge. However, inmates can be released at any time of day or night once the court order is processed. An inmate released at 2:00 AM in Holbrook may reside in Show Low (50 miles away) or Kayenta (120 miles away). The NCSO does not provide transportation to the inmate's residence.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Be aware of the following:

• Admin Per Se Hearing (ALR Hearing): You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to contest the suspension of your driver's license. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance Dates: The date for your arraignment (initial court appearance) will be provided on your release paperwork. Missing this date can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Note that Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court holds "Open Court" every Tuesday at 11:30 AM, a valuable option for addressing missed court dates and quashing warrants without arrest.
• Vehicle Impoundment: If your vehicle was impounded under Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-3511 (the "20-Day Tow Law"), you have a limited time to request a hearing to contest the impoundment.

DUI Enforcement in Navajo County

The Interstate 40 (I-40) corridor is a primary focus for DUI enforcement by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Show Low also handles a significant volume of DUI cases from seasonal tourists.

Local Resources

• Holbrook Justice Court: 121 West Buffalo, Holbrook, AZ 86025
• Winslow Justice Court: 605 East Third Street, Winslow, AZ 86047
• Snowflake Justice Court: 145 South Main Street, Suite D, Snowflake, AZ 85937
• Kayenta Justice Court: 1.5 miles east of Hwy 163, Kayenta, AZ 86033
• Show Low Justice Court: 550 North 9th Place, Show Low, AZ 85901
• Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court: 1630 East White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, AZ 85935
• Navajo County Adult Detention Center: Holbrook, AZ
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist you with posting bail. They typically charge a percentage of the total bail amount as a fee.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can provide legal representation and guidance throughout the DUI process.

What Makes Navajo County Different

Several factors distinguish DUI cases in Navajo County:

• Geography: The vast distances between towns can complicate travel to court appearances and other required appointments.
• Time Zone in Kayenta: The Kayenta Justice Court is located on the Navajo Nation, which observes Daylight Savings Time (DST). The rest of Arizona does not. From March to November, Kayenta is one hour ahead of Holbrook and Phoenix.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Navajo County relies on a "rotation list" of approved private towing companies. Tri-R Towing is a dominant provider for the I-40 corridor, servicing Winslow and Holbrook. Tri-R Towing's location at 1521 E. 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047 is significant for arrests occurring in Holbrook; if Tri-R is on rotation, a vehicle may be towed away from the county seat to Winslow, adding 30 miles to the retrieval journey.
• Open Court in Pinetop-Lakeside: The Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court holds "Open Court" every Tuesday at 11:30 AM. This is a critical release valve for defendants who missed a previous date; they can appear voluntarily to quash warrants without being arrested, a rare leniency in the system.

Contact the Holbrook Justice Court at 121 West Buffalo, Holbrook, AZ 86025 for information about your specific court date, or to clarify court procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I miss my court date in Navajo County? A: Contact the Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court to see if you can appear voluntarily at their "Open Court" session every Tuesday at 11:30 AM to quash the warrant without being arrested.

Q: My car was towed after my DUI arrest. Where do I start looking for it? A: Start by contacting Tri-R Towing in Winslow if you were arrested along the I-40 corridor, or Blacktop Towing in Show Low if you were arrested in the White Mountains area.

Q: How long do I have to request an ALR hearing with the MVD in Arizona? A: You have 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license.

Find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory or browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Navajo County.